Families of patients who died in the care of a doctor at a scandal-hit hospital welcomed claims a criminal probe could be announced this week.
Some 456 patients died and up to 200 had their lives shortened under Dr Jane Barton’s watch due to routine bad practice at Hampshire’s Gosport War Memorial hospital from 1988 to 2000, an independent inquiry found last year .
Reports yesterday suggested Dr Barton, 71, will be told this week of a fourth police investigation.
Three previous probes by Hampshire Constabulary led to no charges being brought.
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Barton retired as a registered doctor in 2010 and there is no suggestion she intentionally took lives.
Families will gather in Fareham, Hants, tomorrow where Kent and Essex Police Assistant Chief Constable Nick Downing will announce the outcome of his review of the evidence.
Among those who died at the hospital was D-Day veteran Arthur Cousins, who was admitted aged 82 almost two decades ago.
Son Eric, 71, of Fareham, said: “If they launch a fourth investigation it gives you hope. Someone needs to be held responsible.”
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